Gardening beneath trees presents a unique challenge. Those shady spots where grass struggles to grow often become eyesores in an otherwise beautiful landscape. The double whammy of shade and competition for water makes these areas particularly tricky to manage. But don't worry! These troublesome spots can be transformed into gorgeous garden features with the right approach.
Every tree-covered area has potential to become a standout part of your yard. The key lies in selecting plants and landscaping elements that thrive in those exact conditions. From shade-loving perennials to clever hardscaping solutions, numerous options can turn those barren patches into vibrant garden spaces.
Hostas
Hostas reign supreme in the shade garden world, offering incredible variety in size, color, and texture. These perennial favorites thrive in the dappled light beneath trees and require minimal maintenance once established. Their broad, often variegated leaves create visual interest even without flowers.
Water hostas regularly during their first growing season to establish strong roots that can compete with tree roots. After that, they'll need supplemental watering only during extended dry periods. The "Blue Angel" and "Sum and Substance" varieties grow particularly large, making bold statements in difficult spots.
Woodland Wildflowers
Native woodland wildflowers evolved specifically to grow under tree canopies, making them perfect candidates for those challenging spots. Species like Virginia bluebells, trillium, and bleeding heart bring delicate beauty to shaded areas and support local wildlife and pollinators.
These wildflowers often bloom in early spring before trees leaf out completely, taking advantage of the brief period of stronger sunlight. They typically go dormant in summer heat, so pair them with later-emerging perennials for season-long interest. Many spread naturally over time, creating charming drifts of color.
Ferns
Ferns bring unmatched texture and movement to shady spots with their delicate, feathery fronds. These ancient plants come in countless varieties, from tiny 6-inch specimens to massive 4-foot giants. Their graceful arching forms add a woodland feel to any garden space.
Most ferns prefer consistently moist soil but can tolerate drier conditions once established. The Christmas fern, Japanese painted fern, and lady fern all perform exceptionally well under trees. Planting several varieties together creates an appealing tapestry of different heights, textures, and shades of green.
Japanese Forest Grass
Japanese forest grass (Hakonechloa macra) brings flowing movement to shady spots with its graceful, arching habit. This ornamental grass grows slowly into neat mounds about 12-18 inches tall and wide. The gold-variegated 'Aureola' variety brightens dark corners with its glowing foliage.
This elegant grass tolerates dry shade once established but performs best with regular watering during its first year. Plant it where its cascading form can be appreciated, such as along path edges or in raised beds. Its subtle rustling adds a pleasant auditory element to the garden experience.
Coral Bells
Coral bells (Heuchera) offer some of the most colorful foliage options for shade gardens, with leaves ranging from deep burgundy to caramel, silver, and chartreuse. These compact perennials form neat mounds that maintain their color year-round in mild climates, providing constant visual interest.
The tiny bell-shaped flowers that appear on tall stems attract hummingbirds and add vertical elements to the garden. Coral bells prefer well-drained soil, making them suitable for the drier conditions often found under trees. New varieties are constantly being developed, expanding the color palette available to gardeners.
Lamium
Lamium, or spotted deadnettle, serves as an excellent groundcover for dry shade, spreading to form a dense carpet of silver-marked foliage. This low-growing perennial typically reaches just 6-8 inches tall but spreads 2-3 feet wide, quickly filling bare spots under trees.
Pretty pink, purple, or white flowers appear in spring and often continue sporadically through summer. Lamium's vigor helps it compete successfully with tree roots, though it's not so aggressive that it becomes problematic. Its silvery leaves brighten shady areas and complement the deeper greens of hostas and ferns.
Sweet Woodruff
Sweet woodruff creates a lush carpet of whorled green leaves topped with delicate white flowers in spring. This old-fashioned groundcover spreads steadily in woodland conditions, forming a dense mat that suppresses weeds and prevents soil erosion on sloped areas under trees.
The fragrant foliage releases a pleasant hay-like scent when crushed or dried. Sweet woodruff grows about 8-12 inches tall and performs best in areas with moderate moisture but tolerates drier conditions once established. Its refined texture makes it an elegant partner for bolder plants like hostas.
Liriope
Liriope, sometimes called lilyturf, offers grass-like foliage that remains attractive year-round in milder climates. This tough perennial forms clumps of strappy leaves that stand up to challenging conditions, including root competition and inconsistent moisture levels under trees.
Spikes of purple or white flowers appear in late summer, followed by black berries that persist into winter. Liriope muscari grows in mounding clumps, while Liriope spicata spreads more aggressively to form groundcovers. Both types require minimal maintenance beyond an annual cutting back in late winter.
Epimedium
Epimedium, aptly nicknamed "bishop's hat" or "fairy wings," features delicate heart-shaped leaves and airy flowers on wiry stems. This underutilized perennial excels in dry shade, with roots that effectively compete with trees for moisture and nutrients. New spring foliage often emerges with bronze or red tints before maturing to green.
The dainty flowers appear in early spring in shades of yellow, pink, red, or white, depending on the variety. Epimedium forms slowly expanding clumps that eventually create effective groundcover. Its drought tolerance increases with age, making it ideal for established plantings under mature trees.
Lungwort
Lungwort (Pulmonaria) brightens shady spots with its silver-spotted foliage and early spring flowers. This classic shade perennial blooms in late winter or early spring with clusters of pink flowers that often change to blue as they age, sometimes displaying both colors simultaneously for a charming bicolor effect.
The distinctive spotted leaves provide visual interest long after the flowers fade. Lungwort prefers consistent moisture but can handle dry periods once established. Different varieties offer varying leaf patterns and flower colors, allowing gardeners to select types that complement other shade plants.
Wood Mulch
Wood mulch provides an immediate, practical solution for bare spots under trees where plants struggle to establish. A 2-3 inch layer of natural wood chips or shredded bark improves soil structure over time while preventing erosion and suppressing weeds. The natural appearance blends seamlessly with woodland settings.
Fresh mulch should be kept several inches away from tree trunks to prevent moisture-related disease issues. As wood mulch breaks down, it adds organic matter to the soil, gradually improving growing conditions for future plants. Choose natural, undyed products for the most environmentally friendly option.
Pine Straw
Pine straw offers an excellent mulching option for dry areas under trees, particularly those with acidic soil preferences. This natural material allows water to penetrate easily while still providing effective weed suppression. Its light weight makes it gentle on emerging perennials and spring bulbs.
The distinctive texture and coppery color of pine needles add visual interest to shaded areas. Pine straw decomposes more slowly than wood mulch, requiring less frequent replenishment. It stays in place better on slopes than traditional mulches and creates growing conditions many woodland plants naturally prefer.
River Rock
River rock creates a permanent, low-maintenance solution for persistently difficult spots under trees. Smooth, rounded stones in varying sizes add texture and visual interest while allowing rainfall to penetrate to tree roots. The natural appearance complements both formal and informal landscape styles.
Installing landscape fabric beneath the rocks prevents weeds while maintaining water permeability. River rock works particularly well around mature trees where repeated planting attempts have failed due to dense shade and root competition. Small plants can be tucked between larger stones to soften the appearance.
Gravel Paths
Gravel paths transform bare spots under trees into functional landscape features that require minimal maintenance. Small, angular gravel compacts better than rounded pebbles, creating a firm surface that remains stable underfoot. Edging materials like steel, stone, or brick keep the gravel contained.
These permeable walkways allow rainwater to reach tree roots while providing practical access through the landscape. Varying the color and size of gravel creates visual interest. Occasional raking refreshes the surface, and additional material can be added as needed to maintain the desired depth.
Stepping Stones
Stepping stones offer both practical access and visual appeal in difficult growing areas beneath trees. Natural flagstone, cast concrete, or repurposed materials like wood slices can be arranged in patterns that guide movement through the space. Spacing them appropriately encourages a leisurely pace perfect for enjoying shade gardens.
Low-growing groundcovers planted between stones soften the appearance while maximizing the usable growing space. The stones themselves provide stable surfaces that don't compete with tree roots for water or nutrients. This solution combines hardscaping practicality with opportunities for creative design expression.
Shade-Tolerant Shrubs
Shade-tolerant shrubs add structure and year-round presence to areas beneath trees. Selections like oakleaf hydrangea, Japanese kerria, and certain viburnum species thrive in dappled light and mature to a size that makes them visual anchors in the landscape. Their varied flowering times extend seasonal interest.
Plant shrubs toward the drip line of trees rather than directly adjacent to trunks, where competition for resources is most intense. Providing supplemental water during establishment helps develop root systems capable of accessing deeper soil moisture. Choosing shrubs with different heights creates visual layers in the landscape.
Hellebores
Hellebores bring color to the shade garden when little else blooms, with flowers appearing from late winter through early spring. These evergreen perennials maintain attractive foliage year-round, providing structure even when not in bloom. Their leathery leaves resist deer browsing, an important consideration in many woodland settings.
Modern varieties offer expanded color options including white, pink, red, purple, yellow, and speckled combinations. Hellebores form slowly expanding clumps that require minimal division. Their tolerance for dry conditions once established makes them valuable additions to challenging spots under trees.
Spring Bulbs
Spring bulbs take advantage of increased light levels before trees leaf out fully, adding early season color to shady areas. Daffodils, snowdrops, crocus, and Spanish bluebells all naturalize effectively beneath deciduous trees, multiplying over time to create impressive drifts of color that announce spring's arrival.
Plant bulbs in fall, placing them in irregular groupings for a natural appearance. Most spring bulbs complete their growth cycle before trees reach full leaf, allowing them to thrive even in spots that become quite shaded later in the season. Their dormant period coincides with the driest part of summer.
Shade-Tolerant Vines
Shade-tolerant vines can clothe tree trunks or nearby structures, adding vertical interest to shady areas. English ivy, climbing hydrangea, and Virginia creeper all perform well in low-light conditions. These versatile plants maximize growing space by utilizing vertical surfaces that would otherwise remain bare.
Allow vines to climb sturdy structures rather than directly on trees whenever possible. If tree-climbing is desired, choose species like climbing hydrangea that attach with aerial roots rather than twining types that might constrict tree growth. Regular pruning keeps vines in bounds and prevents them from becoming too heavy.
Moss Gardens
Moss gardens create tranquil, low-maintenance spaces with an ancient, established feel. These diminutive plants thrive in shady, humid environments and spread to form lush green carpets over soil, rocks, and fallen logs. Different moss species offer varying textures and shades of green.
Creating slight depressions to collect moisture helps establish moss in drier locations. Once established, moss requires minimal care beyond occasional weeding and gentle rinsing during extended dry periods. The resulting garden evokes a serene woodland atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with more structured landscape areas.
Dry Creek Beds
Dry creek beds transform bare spots into landscape features while addressing drainage issues common around trees. Arranging stones of varying sizes in naturalistic patterns creates the impression of a seasonal water course. The installed depth can be minimal to avoid disturbing tree roots.
These stone features direct water flow during heavy rains while remaining attractive during dry periods. Placing larger boulders strategically along the edges provides visual anchors. Small plants tucked between rocks soften the appearance and benefit from the moisture that collects beneath the stones.
Tiarella
Tiarella, commonly called foamflower, adds delicate texture and spring blooms to woodland gardens. This native perennial produces airy spikes of tiny star-shaped flowers above mounds of maple-like foliage. Many varieties feature attractive leaf markings or fall color that extends the season of interest.
Foamflowers spread slowly by runners to form gentle groundcovers that suppress weeds without becoming invasive. They complement the broader leaves of hostas and ferns while contributing their own distinct character. Tiarella performs best with regular moisture but tolerates drier conditions in established plantings.
Garden Art
Garden art adds immediate interest to challenging spots where plants struggle to grow. Weathered sculptures, decorative containers, artistic trellises, or whimsical ornaments create focal points regardless of growing conditions. Selecting pieces that reflect personal style makes these difficult areas uniquely yours.
Position art elements where they'll be visible from primary viewing areas. Pieces made from natural materials like stone, weathered wood, or rusted metal often blend most harmoniously with woodland settings. Art can stand alone as a feature or serve as a framework for the limited plants that might succeed in difficult spots.
Brunnera
Brunnera macrophylla, with its heart-shaped leaves and forget-me-not blue flowers, brings both texture and color to shady spots. The silver-variegated varieties like 'Jack Frost' and 'Sea Heart' illuminate dark corners with their luminous foliage. These perennials form tidy clumps that maintain their appearance throughout the growing season.
The delicate blue flowers appear in early spring on stems held above the foliage. Brunnera prefers consistent moisture but tolerates drier conditions once established. Its broad leaves efficiently capture available light in shady conditions, allowing it to thrive where many other plants struggle.
Raised Planters
Raised planters elevate plants above competing tree roots, creating more favorable growing conditions in otherwise difficult spots. Containers as shallow as 12 inches provide enough soil volume for many perennials and small shrubs. Materials like stone, brick, or rot-resistant wood complement natural settings.
These structures can be designed to follow the natural contours around trees, creating flowing lines that enhance the landscape. Fill raised beds with high-quality soil mix to give plants the best possible start. Regular watering and occasional fertilization compensate for the intense root competition from nearby trees.
Shade-Tolerant Perennial Geraniums
Shade-tolerant perennial geraniums offer long-lasting color and delicate texture in challenging spots. Varieties like Geranium macrorrhizum and Geranium phaeum thrive in the dappled light beneath trees and form slowly spreading mounds of attractive foliage. Their star-shaped flowers appear in late spring in shades of pink, purple, or white.
The deeply lobed leaves often develop attractive fall coloration before dying back in winter. Many varieties release a pleasant fragrance when the foliage is brushed against. Their moderate spread helps them fill spaces without becoming aggressive, making them well-behaved companions for other shade plants.
Transforming Challenges into Garden Features
Those tricky spots under trees deserve the same thoughtful attention as the rest of your landscape. By embracing their unique conditions rather than fighting against them, you can create beautiful, low-maintenance areas that enhance your overall garden design. The key lies in selecting the right plants and materials for each specific situation.
Start small and observe what works best in your particular conditions. Soil type, tree species, available light, and local climate all influence which solutions will be most successful. Combining several approaches, perhaps some shade-loving perennials with decorative stone elements, often yields the most satisfying results. With patience and experimentation, those challenging areas can become favorite features in your landscape.